On this day in 1971 Marvin Gaye released What’s Going On, a landmark concept album about a Vietnam vet who returns home only to see the deep troubles afflicting the country he loves. Sadly, it’s a timeless lyric. Musically this was a revolution, taking soul out of its traditional, restrictive framework and into something more modern and spacious. This album wasn’t just the father of modern R&B, it also influenced a whole range of Rockers from Robert Palmer to Bryan Ferry to the Allman Brothers to Prince, making it one of the most important albums of the 20th century.

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Today, people say Rock is dead, but Rich says bullshit to that. “We’ve got people like Jack White, Beck and Jeff Tweedy who are worthy carriers of the torch that was lit so long ago. Taking the big tent perspective, I would argue that Rock is as vital today as it’s ever been.” You can reach him at rich@rocknuts.net.